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Glossary
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| New terms
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| Paediatric dental careSince milk teeth are the placeholders for the second set of permanent teeth, regular dental care is important from the appearance of the very first tooth. This is the time when fluoridation for caries prophylaxis is particularly important. Initially, the once-daily use of a pea-sized portion of a special children's toothpaste (elmex children's toothpaste) with a reduced fluoride content is sufficient (up until the second year and then twice daily). Also recommended is the use of a special training toothbrush. The actual toothbrushing is still performed once a day by the parents, but the children can learn how to brush their teeth at the same time. Systematic cleaning of all teeth surfaces (MOI toothbrushing system) leads to an improved result. As well as basic dental care, a healthy, teeth-friendly diet is also important. Too many sweets, sticky foods or the constant sucking on sweet teas will expose the teeth to sustained attack. It is much better to confine sugar consumption to fewer occasions, followed by toothbrushing. The additional administration of fluoride tablets may prove beneficial in individual cases, but should be discussed with the dentist or paediatrician. | |
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| PellicleEnamel outer film. Permanent and invisible thin film covering the teeth and consisting predominantly of salivary proteins. | |
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| PeriodontitisInflammatory destruction of the tissues that support the teeth (periodontium). If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to teeth loosening and, ultimately, teeth loss. It is caused by the presence of certain bacteria in plaque. In contrast with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), the damage caused by periodontitis is not completely repairable, although the progression of the condition can be delayed by professional plaque removal, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene. | |
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| pHA measure of the acidity of a solution, stated in figures from 1 to 14. 7 = neutral, below 7 = acidic, above 7 = alkaline. The prevailing pH in the mouth is normally between 6.5 and 7.5. After the consumption of sugary foods, however, the pH of the plaque environment drops after just 2-3 minutes, possibly to the critical level of pH 5.5 and below. Enamel is decalcified in this acidic environment.
If the teeth are not subsequently cleaned, it will take approx. 30 minutes before the conditions in the plaque are neutralized by the action of saliva and the pH rises back up to a level at which enamel decalcification no longer occurs. The pH only returns to its normal level after approx. 60 minutes. | |
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| PlaqueTough coating that adheres to the tooth surfaces, primarily along the gum margins. Plaque consists largely of bacteria. 1 mg of wet plaque contains approx. 250 million bacteria. These are so small that they are only visible and identifiable under the microscope.
Most of these bacteria are responsible for the production of tooth-damaging acids. While one might imagine that saliva would be capable of neutralizing these acids, it hardly has any effect against this "superior force". Moreover, certain bacteria excrete substances that make the plaque coating so sticky and strongly adherent.
The plaque can be removed only by mechanical means. But it can be stained with tablets or fluid (revealers) to make it more easily visible. This identifies those spots where better cleaning is required. Teeth thus affected feel "furry" to the tongue. | |
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| ppmAbbreviation for parts per million; concentration of a dilution of one in one million. Usually used, e.g., to describe the fluoride content in drinking water. The optimal concentration for caries prophylaxis is 1 ppm fluoride = 1 milligram of fluoride per litre of water. | |
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| PremolarsAnterior, permanent molars with two cusps. The 8 premolars replace the 8 deciduous molars of the deciduous dentition by the age of 12. | |
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| ProphylaxisPrevention of disease, preventive treatment. Example: fluoride prophylaxis = prevention of dental caries by the use of fluorides, e.g. by the local application of fluoride toothpastes. | |
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| Prophylaxis assistantDental assistant with additional training in prophylaxis. In the dental practice, specializes in prophylaxis tasks. | |
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